MERCEL ANDREW WISH

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MERCEL ANDREW WISH Mercel Andrew Wish, 77 , passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on March 11, 2003 at Kelowna General Hospital. Mercel will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Nadia and partner of 51 years; sons, Mark (Carol), Greg, Evan (Josette) and grandchildren, Ryan, Ian (Alanna) and Tara. He is also survived by sisters, Olive Warrenchuk and Elizabeth Zoochkan (John) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Anna (1983) and Andrew (1963) Wishnewecky. Mercel was born in St. Claude, MB on December 20, 1925. He moved with his family to Winnipeg in 1931, where he attended King George, King Edward and Isaac Newton High Schools. In 1944 he joined the Canadian Forces. On his return, he continued his education at the University of Winnipeg, and Red River Community College. Throughout his youth, Mercel actively participated in the Ukrainian Church and organizations. It was at a Ukrainian Dancing group that he met his wife Nadia. They married and moved to Arborg, MB, in 1951 where he established Arborg Auto Body Repair and Paint business. In 1966, Mercel and family moved to Brandon, MB where he worked as an instructor at ACC, as well as obtaining his B.A. and B. Ed degrees. He also served on the Advisory Board of Directors and as President of the Faculty Association. Mercel thoroughly enjoyed teaching and continued studying and developed a proficiency in several languages. He took great pride in the successes of his students and tried to maintain contact with them as they progressed in their careers. He retired in 1988 to a life of camping, trailering, cottage life at Clear Lake, and spending time with his family. Golf was a passion that Mercel looked forward to until his illness prevented him from playing. In 1994 Mercel moved to Penticton and then St. Andrews By The Lake in 1995. Throughout his life he maintained a strong affiliation with his faith, serving in various capacities of the churches in Arborg, Brandon, and Penticton. He was a member of Better Breathers and the Fairview Golf Course. The family extends a sincere thank you to Dr. Graeme McCauley, nurses and staff of 2E at the Kelowna General Hospital for their compassionate care as well as family and friends for all their prayers. Memorial tributes may be directed to the Building Fund at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1370 Church St., Penticton, BC V2A 4R8 or a charity of your choice. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1370 Church St., Penticton, BC, with Rev. Jim Hill officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Columbarium at Lakeview Cemetery. Condolences may be directed to the family by e-mail: parkview@vip.net. PARKVIEW FUNERAL HOME (250) 493-1774

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2003